Entries for February, 2005
February 2nd, 2005
Awe
Posted by special_child at 02:00 AM on February 2, 2005.
I'm so glad I got the opportunity I missed almost 6 years ago.
That opportunity was to visit the San Agustin Museum. Though I have been in the church already, I can count by one hand the number of times I've gone there. Before in my elementary days, when I was still a sacristan (yes, I was, if you don't know), we were given the chance to explore the museum. Alas, I was late for the meeting (yes, I was, and I'm still, late) so I missed it. Thankfully, the opportunity came upon me again.
I won't delve into much detail; there's just too much to see and remember in that museum. If you are a history buff, I suggest you see the museum. But bring with you an English-Spanish dictionary. Better yet, learn the language! I would have invited Dr. Dery to go with us, since he knows the language and all the history behind the stuff there.
Do you know that the remains of Governor-General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi are in a tomb to the left of the church's altar? Now, you do.
We will go back. Unfinished business. It will be a nice setting for
Mito's story and our collaboration. Just watch out for it.
Top Ten Activities I've Done The Past Few Days
10. play billiards
9. get mad at somebody
8. attend a
boring seminar
7. continue my stories
6. sing my heart out in the shower
5. finish a book
4. start a new book
3. get my story evaluated nicely by an "authority"
2. listen to various stories
-and... (drum roll please)-
1. visit a museum!
One thing though.
Mito forgot to pay. Tsk tsk tsk.
Marvin the Martian™, jaz thinking aloud
P.S. I hope we win the contest later... whoever my teammates are.
Currently enjoying "Back To You", performed by John Mayer.
Currently deciphering "The Dante Club", written by Matthew Pearl.
Currently checking "Myx Daily Top Ten", shown on Myx.
Currently feeling awed by all the stuff.
February 3rd, 2005
Amnesia
Posted by special_child at 12:45 AM on February 3, 2005.
I feel naïve not noticing this before.
If you pay attention to most of these
detergent operas (come on… soap is not the perfect term anymore; remember that detergent is cheaper by the bulk), the storylines are basically the same. Now, they focus more on the story’s characters having amnesia because of an accident or an "accident". There’s like 5 or 6 shows currently playing, and a dozen others before, that have this particular "twist". I suppose writers are running out of ideas, or it’s just commercialism that takes over their minds.
And it’s too bad some small form of amnesia hit over me a few hours ago. Our group finished second, a part because we had no representative from IT and there were a lot of questions in the field of IT, a part because Lady Luck wasn’t with us (one answer’s 1973, our answer was 1972; another answer was 1975, our answer was 1976), and a part because the quiz really tackled academics and La Salle trivia only. A good suggestion would be to rename the contest from "Gox Challenge" to "School-and-Study Challenge".
Well, it’s just fine. I was happy to have people I know as my teammates (
Tina, Cake, and Beegee) rather than one from each batch whom I probably don’t know.
Top Ten US Television Shows I Watch
10. American Idol
9. 24
8. Seventh Heaven
7. Charmed
6. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation
5. Survivor
4. Smallville
3. Gilmore Girls
2. Alias
-and… (drum roll please)-
1. The Amazing Race
"
Alam nyo bang magkapatid si Kitchie at si Barbie… oo, si Kitchie Nadal at si Barbie NA DOLL!" -
Chase’s joke this afternoon
Marvin the Martian™, jaz thinking aloud
P.S. I just hope it doesn’t get boring tomorrow in SCRPWRI.
Currently enjoying "Summer Snow", performed by Sissel.
Currently deciphering "The Dante Club", written by Matthew Pearl.
Currently checking "Special Assignment", shown on ABS-CBN 2.
Currently feeling settled for second.
February 4th, 2005
Yin And Yang
Posted by special_child at 03:02 AM on February 4, 2005.
Mixed feelings, mixed emotions; my day has never been filled with odds and ends.
Our mock defense pushed through, and our professor had a LOT of comments and questions. At least she showed us what we need to do and improve on. After that, we went to our orientation with Sir Bart (refer to a former Top Ten list of best teachers). That included our group,
Anne's group,
Nina's group, and Tracy and company. It was nice to see Bart as our thesis adviser, but it entailed a lot of pressure since he wants us done before the prescribed time.
Today's the first time I actually got bored with SCRPWRI that I didn't finish the whole three hours. I don't even know if there's an assignment for next week. All I know is that I'm gonna finish Look Sideways for submission and approval as basis for the film script.
One thing more. I don't know if I'm gonna be happy or sad, but I think I was not enrolled by the stupid Ms. Divine in IMAGPRO (Image Processing course). The bad thing, if ever this is confirmed, is that I have to add 3 units to one of the next three terms of study. Everything else is good news - I can skip the MP, I'll have my 3:40 - 4:40 P.M. siesta again (well, I still have it even if I'm attending IMAGPRO), and I will be free from boredom.
Speaking of which, this gives me a nice idea for my Top Ten list. And I will be pessimistic yet again.
Top Ten Most Despised Subjects (with brief reasons, as of 4 February 2005)
10. COMPARC (Computer Architecture; because it got me out of the straight masters' program)
9. COMPILE (Compiler Theory; because the teaching style sucks)
8. INTRODB (Introduction to Databases; because I did not learn a bit from my teacher and I had to self-study)
7. INTROSE (Introduction to Software Engineering; because of the teacher and the fact that I had no one to talk to in class)
6. RELSTWO (Sacraments; because of time and teacher)
5. ENGLONE (English One; because of a big fat old lady who's a pathetic excuse for Miss Piggy)
4. COMORGA (Computer Organization; because of the teacher, I had to borrow my blockmate's Palm just to play Bejeweled or Text Twist to combat boredom)
3. IMAGPRO (Image Processing; no doubt it's the teacher)
2. OBJECTP (Object-Oriented Programming in JAVA; because of COMELEC... go figure)
-and... (drum roll please)-
1. NETWORK (Network Systems; because of an uber-boring teacher)
"
Yan... sa mga hindi sumama, maglaway na lang kayo!" - another different person, shouted in class while looking at the "culminating event" pictures. So what?! I'm not envious. I can always eat there anytime I want.
Marvin the Martian™, jaz thinking aloud
P.S. I might have the opportunity to go out of the country for the very first time. I'm hoping and praying this is true. Details next week.
Currently enjoying "All Right Without You", performed by MojoFly.
Currently deciphering "The Dante Club", written by Matthew Pearl.
Currently checking "Cribs", shown on MTV.
Currently feeling marose, I mean, morose.
February 5th, 2005
New Things/Bad Things
Posted by special_child at 03:53 AM on February 5, 2005.
Change... the only constant thing in life.
So much has been added, some things are lost. But in the end, you're still you - only better. From the 2-year old package I received 3 weeks ago, I had more stuff than I can imagine. Thank God. Hehe... now I think I have a wardrobe that would last me for 2 months.
I recently had copies of new episodes of Alias (that's for season 4 already; season premiere is GREAT!). Smallville episodes are also available, but I ran out of storage (I had to borrow a CD-RW and beg for a CD-R just to get the first 5 episodes of Alias) so I would get that on Monday. A big thank you to Rex Amurao (refer to a previous Top Ten list)!
Hours earlier, when
Mito and I went to Makati for our Friday gimmick day, we were surprised to see Food Choices - Greenbelt 3 gone! Shocking... tsk tsk tsk, we opted to eat @ Greenbelt 1 and then come back for some Timezone galore. We lost at both Virtua Tennis 2 and Beach Spikers just because I hit/tossed the ball at the wrong direction (yeah, I admit the joystick's malfunctioning).
EPS is now available with Landbank ATM's. That's more convenience for me! Tried it out also in Music One. Hehehe... so this virtually makes my Express Cash useless. Hahahaha. I might throw it off and convert it to a BPI savings account. Can you spare me some money?
An email I checked brought me what I was searching for SOOOOOOO long. Yes! I have officially retrieved the
video and
mp3 for Coke's "Kasama" commercial. The girl's name is Monique Pauline Gil, nick's Nikki. She's an Atenean, so I need to suck up to her if I want to befriend her. Hahaha... (midmorningdreaming) Thank you to the owner of this
blog for sharing this find.
Some other info tells me that they based the local commercial from this
British Coke ad entitled "I Wish". The first parts of the song were taken from "Free" by Lighthouse Family, though they changed the rhythm.
And to cap this long post is some bad news for me. They reinstated me to IMAGPRO, and I am now officially part of the class. Ack. Now, I realize the more-harm-than-good situation. I was wishing I did not debate for it. Tsk tsk tsk... now I have to make the MP.
Top Ten Malls I've Visited In The Metro (overall features, as of 5 February 2005)
10. SM Makati, Makati
9. SM Manila, Manila
8. SM Megamall, Mandaluyong
7. Alabang Town Center, Alabang
6. Robinson's Galleria, Ortigas
5. Festival Supermall, Alabang
4. Glorietta 4, Ayala Center, Makati
3. Power Plant Mall, Makati
2. Shangri-La Mall, Mandaluyong
-and... (drum roll please)-
1. Greenbelt 3, Ayala Center, Makati
I missed the opportunity to see my best friend Gretchen today. I hope I can see her soon.
Marvin the Martian™, jaz thinking aloud
P.S. Valentine's Day is nearing... 19
th year without a special someone save my mom.
Currently enjoying "Rainbow", performed by South Border.
Currently deciphering "The Dante Club", written by Matthew Pearl.
Currently checking "Alias", shown on ABC and Studio 23.
Currently feeling ecstatic.
February 8th, 2005
Life's Full Of Downs And Ups
Posted by special_child at 03:17 AM on February 8, 2005 as a favorite post.
I never thought that DOST scholarship would get to my nerves... up until now.
While I was applying for a passport hours ago (chaos and commotion appeared before my eyes as I tried to get the form and some pictures with me), I was called to the front earlier than some of the waitings-in-line. I was in the mood for happy things, then the girl at the other side of the window asked me if I'm still a DOST scholar. I said that I discontinued it a year ago (since it'll make me stay in the Philippines for like the equivalent time that they gave you tuition and stipends). It turns out I still need clearance!
So off I go to Bicutan, to the
SEI office. When I arrived there, it said that I needed my transcript of records! The sad thing was that I left my transcript at home (I know it wasn't needed for the passport)!
All this means...
accomplishment = 10%. At least I'm armed with information. Imagine if I already had a passport before the DOST scholarship and I tried to get out of the Philippines... I'll be stopped!
Now that's how it feels like to be on hold. NO NBI CLEARANCE. NO PASSPORT. NO VISA. NO DEPARTURE. If I can just hack... hahahaha...
On the ups of life, I met with my bestfriend Gretchen. After talking with her,
accomplishment = 100%. Everything that I needed - updates with everyone, especially someone, filled what was missing from this day (go figure this sentence).
And then minutes ago, I saw the reply to my email yesterday. The answer's fast! The first line of the reply says...
SUBJECT: r u asking me on a date?
God. It looks as if everything my best friend told me is true. Now, I have to get back every missed opportunity. Is this the start of the end of my 19-year membership with NGSB? Hmmm...
Blogger's Note: Let me enjoy my moment. I am very elated (hmmm... but I'm not Imelda) that I can't seem to fill the list entitled "Top Ten Cheesy Moments". Coz we only have less than 5. Hahahahahahaha...
"
Hindi kasi gumawa ng project!" - bestfriend Gretchen, talking about a third-year high school incident that pushed my
pogi points in absolute zero.
Marvin the Martian™, jaz thinking aloud
P.S. Things just keep getting better and better. And I'm not using
that brand of shampoo. Thank you GOD!
Currently enjoying "Jeepney", performed by Sponge Cola.
Currently deciphering "The Dante Club", written by Matthew Pearl.
Currently checking "I-Witness", shown on GMA 7.
Currently feeling elated.
February 13th, 2005
Big Day Tomorrow!
Posted by special_child at 11:51 PM on February 13, 2005.
I have to admit... it's
not because of Valentine's Day.
I am still with my mom this Valentines (19
th year now); however, we will have our own Amazing Race tomorrow. Hahaha... watch out for the next post.
From the last time I posted until today, not much has happened. So much for being a post freak the first few days of February, I guess there weren't so much activities that happened. It's just plain and simple. Hehehe... I didn't want to post about AR6 because my favorite team (and almost everyone else's fave) Kris and Jon did not win. Anyways...
There still isn't any reply to my reply to the reply to the email I sent. Got it? Good. So no
kilig news just yet (countercheck previous post for more information).
It's just another ordinary day tomorrow, except it's a race against time for me. Why? You'll know soon. And if you have any contacts/know-how in the US Embassy system, do let me know.
Top Ten Realizations for the Day
10. Allegedly,
Tekken 5 is already in Timezone Glorietta. I haven't seen it even though I've been to Makati today and last Friday.
9. Population is booming. There are more and more people in malls during the weekend.
8. Today is the first Sunday of Lent; gospel is about the temptations. And I think it's always that way every Lent.
7. I almost won in the Championship match of Virtua Tennis 2. Tsk tsk tsk...
6. I only have 22 days maximum. God help me.
5. I almost made a mistake of buying a very nice necklace... not until mom pointed out that Geoff Eigenmann is wearing the exact necklace in "Hiram".
4. Though the president says our economy is stabilizing, people can hardly feel the effect.
3. Kris loves Cory so much for "inflicting good values" upon her. Like the previous number, people can hardly feel the effect.
2. Madame Auring is cheap... as always. She has a booth at Robinson's Manila, and it's among the
tiangge booths. And she has pictures as publicity. And no one was wanting her to predict their futures. Hahahaha...
-and... (drum roll please)-
1. If you're not performing or you're not doing anything special, please
don't wear a gown (with a man's coat over it to keep you warm) inside a crowded mall. You are not Imelda. At least Madame Auring was just wearing a dress with a shawl.
Survivor: Palau premieres this Friday! And
Amazing Race 7 featuring the damned Rob and Amber (now I know which team I'll hate most in the next season) premieres three weeks from now! Reality overdose!
Marvin the Martian™, jaz thinking aloud
P.S. But watch out for Amazing Race 6.5! That's tomorrow!
Currently enjoying "On My Own", performed by Lea Salonga.
Currently deciphering "The Dante Club", written by Matthew Pearl.
Currently checking "Digital Tour", shown on Studio 23.
Currently feeling sad yet hopeful.
February 15th, 2005
The Amazing Race 6.5
Posted by special_child at 01:56 AM on February 15, 2005 as a favorite post.
Are you ready?
Your clue is waiting for you at the gate. The metro is waiting. Good luck. Travel safe. Go!
Route Info: Make your way to your respective banks.
Teams must now take a tricycle and separate ways. Each team member must travel more than 2 miles to the marked banks. When they arrive, they'll receive their next clue.
At least traffic wasn't a problem here. We reached the banks on time.
Route Info: Retrieve the money you need for you to receive your next clue.
Each team member must now talk to their contact person and ask for an exact amount of money. The racer will receive the money and, with it, their next clue.
The manager was very nice, and so was my contact person. Hehehe... thank you contact person!
Route Info: Make your way to the Department of Science and Technology in the city of Taguig.
Team members must make their way approximately 25 miles to the PTRI building in the city of Taguig. Once they arrive, together they must leave an ID with the guard to get a Visitor's Pass. Then, they must search the building for this place: the Science Education Institute. It is here that teams will find their next clue.
It was really a hassle finding a bus back to Manila, but once I arrived in Baclaran traveling to Bicutan was already easy. But mom arrived 15 minutes later than me, and once we reached SEI... we were
yielded! Who yielded us? The secretaries! It was
lunch time! *toink* So after that predetermined amount of time, we opened our next clue to reveal a...
Detour: Reinstate or Terminate
A Detour is a choice between two tasks, each with its own pros and cons. In this Detour, teams must have to choose between two tasks common to a non-compliant DOST scholar. The choice... Reinstate or Terminate.
In Reinstate, teams must inform an officer that they want to continue the scholarship. Then, they must make their way to the cashier and pay the bond, get the receipt, go back to the officer, and retrieve their temporary clearance. Once they notarize the clearance, they will receive their next clue. The task is fairly hard, considering you have to render service to the country for the amount of time equivalent to your grant. But the bond will be paid back to you when you arrive back in the Philippines.
In Terminate, teams must inform an officer that they want to terminate the scholarship and pay the amount equivalent to the funds released to you plus 12% interest. Once paid, teams can now retrieve their full clearance. After notarizing the clearance, teams will get their next clue. This task is rather easy, but paying the full amount will be costly.
The obvious answer is... Reinstate. The termination might be considered if ever I was rich already. Hahahahaha.
Route Info: Make your way to the Department of Foreign Affairs in the city of Pasay.
Teams must now travel more than 22 miles to Pasay and search for the entrance to the DFA compound. Teams will find their next clue across the second building near the basketball court.
Yeah, we were hungry. So after taking a bus to Makati, mom and I decided to take a break and eat. We went to DFA afterwards and when we opened the clue, we found a...
Road Block: Who is not agoraphobic?
A Road Block is a task that only one person may perform, and no one can do more than six Road Blocks on the entire race. In this Road Block, that person has to submit the clearance to a marked counter and verify all documents needed. Once done, that person has to go to the adjacent room and pay the necessary fees. With the receipt, they'll get their next clue.
There were plenty of people waiting for their passports, and there are a lot of people processing theirs also. After a few hours, it was nearly impossible for me to go to school; therefore, I had to miss all the serenading, the booths, the joy and laughter at school this Valentine's Day. So the Pit Stop was redirected.
Route Info: Make your way to the next Pit Stop: Italianni's Restaurant at Glorietta 4.
Teams must now make their way approximately 5 miles to the city of Makati and search the dozens of stores and restaurants in Ayala Center for this place: Italianni's Restaurant. This is the Pit Stop for this leg of the race. The last team to check in here will be eliminated.
Like we had competitors! Hahahaha... I treated my one and only date for nineteen years now (my mom) to a sumptuous dinner at Italianni's. We just had one moment of panic as we saw people running away from a certain place, and we heard about the bombing incident near the Ayala MRT station. Thank God we weren't hurt. I hope that there would be less casualties. It sure is one freaky Valentines. And the stigma of seeing anything or anyone suspicious inside buses would always be there now, especially for a commuter like me. Tsk tsk tsk... God have mercy on us. Please pray for the dead and the injured.
Blogger's Note: The Top Ten List is having a Valentine break. It found a date, I think. Hahaha...
A long and tiring day it is. Sadly, there's more long and tiring days to come.
Marvin the Martian™, jaz thinking aloud
P.S. I got a reply! I got a reply! And if ever, I might have someone to meet on Thursday or Friday, whenever time permits us to meet! Yes!
Currently enjoying "Let The Love Begin", performed by Kyla and Jerome John Hughes.
Currently deciphering "The Dante Club", written by Matthew Pearl.
Currently checking "Saksi", shown on GMA 7.
Currently feeling excited to the max.
February 19th, 2005
A Little Paranoia Can Go A Long And Weird Way
Posted by special_child at 03:09 AM on February 19, 2005.
There are a lot of things that affected me this week... and it's mostly because of paranoia.
But before anything else... the list is out! Please check this
press release from the International Game Developers Association.
Anyways... going back, since the bombing incidents last Monday, people can't help but be paranoid of the buses. That included (for a short period of time) me and my mom. Last Tuesday was the first official time I flagged down a taxi alone. I wasted like Php60 just to make sure I was safe. How
stupid was that?! First of all, if it's your time, it's your time. Other than that, people should be aware that the terrorists have to lie low after the incidents, so these are the times that we can ride buses safely. Tsk tsk tsk.
Last Thursday, while I was reporting my share of the slides for our second mock defense, the thesis coordinator (standing as our mock panelist) stood up and stared squintly at the whiteboard where the image of the slide was projected. I just stopped for she might have some questions. But I was surprised that she came closer to the board and then pointed her finger at the lower part of the slide. I really worried at the time for the slides might have grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and the like (being the OC that I am), only to hear her say, "
Parang iba yung font
nito sa font
sa baba." Almost everyone broke into laughter - even her co-"panelist" threatened to throw her mineral water bottle at her for being such a weird person and shouted out, "What if they wanted it that way?!" (Thanks for the support hehe... it wasn't different, it's actually the same... maybe she's just hungry or something.
)
And then Thursday evening. Remember the one I would be meeting? She didn't reply to all my messages, so I got worried. I sent a message to my best friend why she didn't reply, and I got a reply... not from my best friend, but from her.
Shockingly, I sent her the text. Wrong!!!
She said that she had no credits and used the money she had to eat first. Damn... it looks as if I'm soooo demanding for replies. So sad. But I'm just actually checking if her number's working (got her number two days before Valentines), so I made my explanations. Hehehe... but I have to wait till our schedules clear before we can even meet and have a dinner and movie. I hope it isn't a long wait.
So what's my advice? Limit paranoia. It is true that paranoid people tend to be more obsessive-compulsive and more precise on what they are doing, but as the Spice Girls said, "Too much of something is bad enough."
Top Ten Documents I Need And Now Have
10. EAF (lost it for like three weeks)
9. NBI Clearance
8. Birth certificate on NSO paper
7. Conference receipt
6. Faxed letter from conference organizer
5. Photocopies of school ID
4. Certificate of Good Moral Character
3. DS-156 and DS-157
2. Passport
-and... (drum roll please)-
1. DOST CLEARANCE!!! (the longest and most expensive one)
The ones lacking now are my visa and plane tickets. Please pray that I get them on time.
Marvin the Martian™, jaz thinking aloud
P.S. Do read my review of
Constantine at the corresponding content page on the right side.
Currently enjoying "Creepin' In", performed by Norah Jones featuring Dolly Parton.
Currently deciphering "The Dante Club", written by Matthew Pearl.
Currently checking "Non-Stop Hits", shown on MTV.
Currently feeling extremely tired.
February 26th, 2005
Kitchie Na-DULL!
Posted by special_child at 02:39 AM on February 26, 2005.
IF somehow you misinterpreted the title... let me just clarify that I do not hate or despise Kitchie Nadal in any form whatsoever.
Just a few hours ago,
Mito, his sister, and I went to watch Kitchie Nadal in her concert, "Bulong sa Campus Tour 2005". It was held in the gym of Rogationist College, where
Mito finished high school with, um,
threatening colors.
The sad thing was... as much as Kitchie was very lively and poised with her performances, the people (most especially the students who were wearing their PE uniforms) were not reacting! The clapping was barely audible; the cheerings and shoutings were very limited. You can really feel the aura. It might be because many were unfamiliar with Kitchie's songs (admittedly, even I was) save for one song which is very nice, but is now slowly inching its way towards the classification "Gasgas".
The front act was (sad to say) dismal. The band players were nice, but the lead singer was really letting the team down (his voice wasn't that pleasant). Come to think of it, I think there was this same scenario somewhere a few months back... but I'll just hush.
The girls knew how to sing, but they lack practice in hosting and livening up the crowd. Boo. There was even one girl they called their version of the Songbird. You know what she sang? "My Immortal".
It really wasn't fun (food was hard to get - with long lines at the canteen, it was a cross-sitting position thing: we just stood at the sides, and Kitchie didn't perform that long).
Mito, I guess, is the happiest among us since he reunited with his high school life and almost everyone in it. But for me, well... give me two days and it will be a thing of the past.
Top Ten "Gasgas" Songs (as of end of February 2005)
10. "Passenger Seat", original rendition by Stephen Speaks
9. "The Greatest Love Of All", original rendition by George Benson
8. "Pagdating Ng Panahon", original rendition by Aiza Seguerra
7. "Hero", original rendition by Mariah Carey
6. "Rainbow", original rendition by South Border
5. "Iris", original rendition by Goo Goo Dolls
4. "Because Of You", original rendition by Keith Martin
3. "To Love You More", original rendition by Celine Dion
2. "Closer You And I", original rendition by Gino Padilla
-and... (drum roll please)-
1. "I'll Be", original rendition by Edwin McCain
Kahit na. The top song still has its sentimental values for me.
Marvin the Martian™, jaz thinking aloud
P.S. Can I still attend? I'm hoping and praying I can.
Currently enjoying "All I Ask Of You", performed by Emmy Rossum and Patrick Wilson.
Currently deciphering "The Dante Club", written by Matthew Pearl.
Currently checking "VH1 Video Collection", shown on MTV.
Currently feeling bored.
